JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Veterinary Assistant I
Department: Shelter
Classification: Full or part time, non-exempt
Job Relationship: Reports to Clinic Supervisor; works closely with Clinic Manager, Veterinary technicians, and Veterinarians.
Position Summary: Responsible for assisting with client and animal check-in and discharge, assisting with animal handling for exams/procedures, assisting with daily cleaning responsibilities.
Essential Job Functions:
Provides assistance to Community Clinic, RVT’s, and Veterinarians
- Keeps all clinic areas orderly, stocked and cleaned following disinfection protocol; responsible for maintaining sterile environment
- Cleans surgical instruments; wraps and sterilizes surgery packs
- Maintains veterinary equipment in good working condition
- Maintains laundry by cleaning, folding, and putting away to designated areas
- Required to cross-train between Clinic sub-departments
- Follows all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment. Takes immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance of safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk
- Supports the APL’s desire to celebrate a diverse and inclusive culture that fuels the compassion that connects us to one another.
Animal Care and Surgery Flow
- Assists RVTs and Veterinarians with pre-surgical preparations, including physical exams
- Safely retrieves and restrains animals for surgeries, exams, tasks, and verifies
- Assists with non-anesthesia surgical preparation (clipping/scrubbing)
- Monitors animals through post-anesthesia and recovery
- Administers non-controlled treatments (oral, topical or SQ), as directed
- Assists with capturing x-ray images
- Assists with laser therapy
- Ensures supplies are written on order list as they diminish
- Trains other staff, volunteers, or interns
- Maintains a healthy and safe environment for animals and people
- Maintains laundry throughout the day
- Updates animal records in PetPoint
Provides professional client and volunteer care
- Always represents the APL in a professional and courteous manner
- Provides quality service to customers, volunteers, and staff
- Works closely with Clinic Supervisor, Clinic Manager, RVTs and Veterinarians to provide prompt customer service and client education to ALL clients
- Provides phone calls to clients as needed
- Assists with intake in morning as needed, and discharges clients in evening
- Actively promotes the APL programs and events to clients and volunteers
- Refers clients to appropriate staff for service
- Promotes communication and cooperation between APL departments.
Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to:
- Informs supervisor of special needs cases for potential public relations or direct mail pieces
- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned; participates on special committees as needed
Qualifications
- Accurate typing and data entry skills
- Ability to use good judgment
- Dependable regarding schedule with the ability to be flexible to accommodate the needs of the APL
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Internal applicants currently in good standing
- Ability to thoroughly read and understand instructions
- Ability to work with animals, disinfectants, and cleaning supplies
- Ability to perform physical work: scrubbing, mopping, bending, lifting, walking, sitting and standing for up to 8 hours a day, lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance
Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a variety of people
- Ability to efficiently use Google Chrome and Internet Explorer
- Ability to anticipate the needs of Veterinarians and RVTs
- Knowledge of animal breed, behavior, and handling
- Knowledge of animal health, and able to identify illness helpful
- Familiarity with veterinary medical terminology helpful
- Excellent communication skills
- Willing to improve upon skills routinely
- Detail oriented and able to prioritize and perform duties efficiently and effectively with an adequate amount of independence
- Committed to maintaining the Cleveland Animal Protective League’s high standard of animal care and mission to foster, compassion, and end animal suffering
- Fear Free Certified or must become certified within six months of hire
EEOC: The Cleveland APL is an equal opportunity employer and is looking for diversity in qualified candidates for employment.
